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Terrlo56 Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

"differ" and "vary"

Dear teachers,

What are the differences between "differ" and "vary"? Please give some examples to distinguish them Emotion: smile

Thanks alots!
  

Top answer

Hi, 1. We can use either ‘differ’ or ‘vary’ to describe the dissimilarity of the same type, for example: Flowers differ / vary in color, shape, and size. (comparing color, shape, and size of flowers).

— Hoa Thai

  • Hi, 1.
  • We can use either ‘differ’ or ‘vary’ to describe the dissimilarity of the same type, for example: Flowers differ / vary in color, shape, and size.
  • (comparing color, shape, and size of flowers).
  • Heights differ / vary from generation to generation.
  • (comparing heights of generations).
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5 Answers
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Hi,
1. We can use either ‘differ’ or ‘vary’ to describe the dissimilarity of the same type, for example:

Flowers differ / vary in color, shape, and size. (comparing color, shape, and size of flowers).
Heights differ / vary from generation to generation. (comparing heights of generations).

2. Use ‘differ’ to compare two disti
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>Our two
measurements differ by 2 miles. (measurement A – measurement B = 2 miles).
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Marius Hancu>Our two measurements differ by 2 miles. (measurement A – measurement B = 2 miles).
Hi Marius,

Isn't 'by' optional?

“it would appear that the discrepancy was chiefly in the position of Port Essington, with respect to the northern extremes of the Peninsula, as Captain King and oursel
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I don't think by it's optional these days.
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Thank you very much and happy new year!

Good day!! Emotion: smile
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